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Sittingwith SJ at our lookout spot is my favorite place. We lie back on a flannel blanket and watch the clouds slowly pass as I try to make out their shapes.
“What are you thinking about?” I trace his jaw with my finger, leaning in to kiss him.
“I’m going to marry you someday,” he says matter-of-factly.
I laugh. “We can’t get married.”
“Why not?” he asks as he turns to me.
“Well, first of all, we’re seventeen.” I laugh.
“Well, I’m obviously not marrying you at seventeen. That would be weird.” He shrugs. “But someday.”
“You’re my best friend.” I smile and lean in to kiss him. “I never want that to change.”
“That’s how it starts. You find your best friend, then you fall in love.” He kisses me softly.
“Done.”
“I can’t give you a fancy life like your parents have,” he says with a sad smile.
“I don’t want fancy. I want simple. Our lookout spot and you. I’m good. That’s all I need.”
He reaches over for my hand and kisses me.
now
I lean over the back seat to grab the pizza and beer I picked up from Freedom Pie and hear a familiar voice. “Hey darlin’, let me help you.”
“Bear!” I shriek and pull him in for a hug. “How are you?” I murmur into his worn leather vest. “I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you too.” He chuckles. “What are you doing here?”
“Pizza and beer as a thank you for fixing my car. Where’s SJ?” I ask, looking around.
“Sam’s inside, but SJ is gone.”
My heart drops. I freeze, and my body runs cold. My hands tremble as I almost drop the pizza boxes. My breath catches. “What do you mean, gone?” I’ve heard this before.
“Come on, I’ll fill you in,” he says as he takes the pizzas and carries them inside the shop. My heart drops, and I hope he’s just gone for a day or something. Just when I was trying to give him a chance, he’s gone again.
Sam stands and smiles at me as I walk in with Bear and hug him. “Did you eat yet, Sam? I brought pizza and beer.”
“Nope, but that smells good.” Sam heads to the sink to wash his hands.
“Where’s SJ?” I ask as I set out a few paper plates from the cabinet.
“He had to go out to Oregon,” Sam says. “A buddy of his passed away unexpectedly.”
“Oh no,” I say, sadness filling me for SJ. Relief fills me that he’s not gone for good again. But hearing about his friend and how he must be feeling right now fills me with remorse, and I’m heartbroken for him. I wish I could have been there for him and helped him. He must have been so upset when he found out.
Bear clears his throat. “But he asked us to ask you if you’d look after his house for him while he’s gone. Do you think you could help him out with Rook?”
“Why would he want me to do that?” I ask as I set my pizza down and reach for a beer.
Bear shrugs innocently. “He was upset, and that’s what he asked when he left.”
I don’t miss the side-eye that Sam gives Bear. Bear says nothing and continues to eat, staring straight down at his plate like it’s the most fascinating thing in the room.
